CCP's Did You Know? Fact #11.

The "Did You Know?" Campaign highlights partnerships, connections, and collaborations between Wesleyan and the greater Middletown community. Every Tuesday and Thursday we will post a fact and send it out to WesLive, Middletown Eye, Middletown Patch, Facebook, Twitter, and beyond.

This week's fact highlights the partnership between Wesleyan's student-run Long Lane Farm and NEAT's North End Farmers' Market.

ROCKFALL FOUNDATION TO DISCUSS LOCAL FOOD (IN)SECURITY

Some learned names will be discussing the future of food resources in Middlesex County tomorrow.

The Rockfall Foundation will hold its annual symposium at "The Kate" in Old Saybrook. This year the environmentally-focused foundation, headquartered on DeKoven Drive, will examine "Our Future Food Security: National Issues, Local Response".

Symposium Chair Christine Nelson said "We've been hearing more about hunger [in Middlesex County]. It's not starvation, but there are issues with hunger." Too many of them involve children, who may suffer consequences from even a short period of malnutrition. "You only develop once" said Nelson. But, she also noted, "We have an agricultural legacy we really could capitalize on again."

To discuss how Middlesex County can create our own 'healthful, sustainable food system and maximize community self-reliance', the Rockfall Foundation has invited Mark Winne, a community food activist, writer, author and co-founder of the Connecticut Food Policy Council.

His keynote address will be followed by a panel discussion among Nicole Berube, Exec. Director at City Seed, New Haven and a member of the New Haven Food Policy Council; David Zemelsky, co-owner at Star Light Gardens in Durham; John Guszkowski, Director of Planning CME Associates and CEO at Eastern CT Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc., and Middletown's own Izzi Greenberg, Exec. Director of NEAT and manager of the North End Farmers' Market. The discussion will be moderated by the Hartford Courant's Susan Campbell.

The program begins at 8:30am and runs until noon. Cost is $50. An optional lunch follows.

EDC Deals w/ Vacant Property, Proposed Sportsplex

The city might finally have a plan and purpose for a nuisance property on Portland Street.

The now-vacant lot at 20 Portland Street had been occupied by a derelict residential building which the city finally took possession of and demolished several months ago. Since then, they have been seeking a use for the property. At its monthly meeting on September 12th, the Economic Development Committee approved a proposal by Joseph Salamone of Peyton Properties, which owns #18 Portland Street next door. Under the proposal, the site would be split between a driveway for Salamone's tenants and a community garden maintained by the North End Action Team (NEAT).

NEAT's Executive Director, Izzi Greenberg noted "We would rather not own the property, we'd rather have the city own it with NEAT responsible for the liability and upkeep." If the city continues to own the property, it would grant easements to Peyton Properties and NEAT. The committee also discussed selling the lot to Peyton, which would then lease it to NEAT. The proposal was approved with the stipulation that the city attorney would determine the best method of having the parties share the lot.

Committee chairman Gerald Daley noted that the proposal solved two neighborhood problems: a lack of off-street parking and a lack of green space. Member Joe Bibisi said "There are a lot of kids down there, maybe 30 kids with no green grass. There's no place for them except the street."

Committee member David Bauer wondered if there might be another future use for the property, since the city has already incurred an estimated $140,000 dealing with the lot. Bauer was the lone dissenter in the vote on the proposal. "We're not so flush with cash that we can't think about what is best for the grand list", he said.

The committee also heard from two Rocky Hill men seeking help in renovating a former manufacturing building into an indoor athletics training facility.

Gary Sekorski and Glenn Rowland plan to lease the former Mohawk Manufacturing building at 1270 Newfield Street (next to NAPA Auto Parts) and convert it into the "Advanced Sportsplex Training Center". They've obtained a Small Business Administration loan, but less than they applied for. So, Sekorski said "We're standing here to say 'what can the city do to help a new business stay in business?'"

The two coaches-turned-businessmen said they would be investing $685,000 to convert the building shell, mostly with 'leaseholder improvements' such as lights, air-conditioning, and installing an artificial turf field.

The Sportsplex would offer young athletes and youth leagues instruction, training, and practice facilties. Rowland said the new business might provide as many as 30 full- and part-time jobs for instructors, referees, concession stand workers and others.

The committee unanimously approved a 3-year partial tax abatement for the complex, which Sekorski and Rowland hope to open by December 1st.

After meeting in executive session, the committee also unanimously approved a modified repayment schedule for The Inn At Middletown, extending the current schedule by two years.

Finally, the next meeting of the committee was rescheduled for Tuesday October 11th because of the Columbus Day holiday.

FREE MUSIC GATHERING SATURDAY

This Saturday is a Community Music Saturday!

Come join us at our second event 11am-1:30pm. It's fun, educational, and best of all, it's FREE.

Saturday events include performances by community members, a workshop, a free delicious lunch and a big old jam session.

This week the workshop is group singing for all. We'll sing easy fun music together. No experience necessary. Upcoming dates are: Oct 9th, Oct 23rd, Nov 5th and Nov 20th.

Events are located at the Green Street Arts Center in Middletown, 51 Green Street. Starting at 11:00 am and ending at 1:15.

*No need to register: just show up!

This program is a project of the North End Action Team, 668 Main Street, 860 346 4845. If you have questions about the program or would like to help out, please call and ask for Emily. Or email emily@neatmiddletown.org.

The Cheese Truck will be at the Market Today!!

The North End Farmers Market runs today, Friday from 10-2 in front of It's Only Natural Market, 575 Main St.

Today at the market, we'll have a great line-up of produce and dessert vendors, and our special guest lunch will be the Caseus Cheese Truck! Check out the website of this New Haven favorite. It looks REALLY good.

Fun at the Farmers Market

The North End Farmers Market on Main St. had its first market of the year this past Friday.

There were hundreds of people shopping, eating, chatting with friends and listening to the old-timey sounds of the blugrass jam. The line for fish tostadas was 10 deep for about an hour, and the chefs had to keep running back to the restaurant to restock. The bike rack was full and so were the bellies. There was amazing fresh produce from six CT farms, incredible fresh baked goods (scone, anyone?) from O'Rourkes Diner and beautiful soaps from our guest vendor, Whey Better Farms.

This market will come again this friday from 10-2 in front of It's Only Natural Market. We'll have the same great lineup of farms and breads but this week's guest vendor will be selling handmade hoola hoops. If you've never wiggled with a really good hoop around your waist, come down and try one out. It's really fun.

Here are some pictures from the first market.

Friday Night Hoops Starts Tonight

NEAT and Macdonough School will be hosting the "Friday Night Hoops" basketball block parties this summer every third Friday of the Month.

The first one is TONIGHT, May 21st at 6 pm. We'll have music, food and fun. Come on out and enjoy the park with your neighbors. It will be held at Donovan Park (next to Macdonough School). This event is open to everyone. We'll provide the food and music, just come over!

Want to Own A Home?

The North End Action Team and Rosa Carrero of Liberty Bank are sponsoring a four-part workshop to help you own a home.

Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17 & 24th

6:30-8:00 pm

Rosa Carrero from Liberty Bank present four info sessions designed to help people take the first steps toward buying a home. Topics include credit counseling (Session 1), finding the right home (Session 2), the lending process (Session 3) and understanding Legalities (Session 4).

All workshops are FREE and open to everyone, though registration is required. Childcare is provided with notice. All workshops are being co-presented by the North End Action Team and the Green Street Arts Center. All workshops will take place at the Green Street Arts Center.

For more information, or to register, call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845 or email at neat@neatmiddletown.org. Or, come on in!

Meet the Candidates

Candidates running for office in Middletown met with residents Wednesday evening at NEAT's Meet the Candidate forum held at the Green Street Art Center.

Around Middletown in 80 Days: Day 4

North End Farmer's Market

Main Street
10am-2pm

My Friends,

I write you for the first time. Located in the heart of this urban metropolis, I have discovered vendors peddling local produce and legumes. I quickly purchased several fresh fruits, for on a journey such as this, one knows not how long until I come by fresh foods again. With the traditional New England harvest just around the corner, I know not how long these fresh local merchants will make the journey to the city streets. Of all things, I also discovered the most wonderful pies! You must join me today.

P.S. - Yesterday at the Chamber of Commerce, I encountered the most interesting creature. A large dog, trained to walk on two legs. Simply amazing! He was the very first to accept a photograph with me.

-Phileas Fogg

Basketball (and soccer!) at Donovan Park

Friday, August 21 at 6:oo pm

This Friday, August 21st, we will be the last basketball tournament of the summer at Donovan Park, next to Macdonough School between Spring and Stack Streets. I hope you can make it! Music will be run by Kevin at Satelite DJ. We'll be cooking hot dogs, too.

No need to sign up in advance, just show up with one or two friends or come alone and we'll put you on a team.

Also, on Sunday, we'll be hosting a soccer tournament from 1-6pm. It's a similar event, but while this is a family event, the games are for adults. There will also be a kid game if there are enough people who want to play, so bring your shin guards! Come to play or watch the game.

call 346-4845 or email neat@neatmiddletown.org for more information.

9th Annual Garden Party

The North End Action Team hosted its 9th annual Garden Party in the Erin Street Community Garden on Thursday night. All day the threat of rain loomed, but as has happened for the last three years, the skies turned blue at 5:30, right on cue.

This year, NEAT gave its annual college scholarship to recent graduate Steven Kovach with a scholarship of $500 to start college this fall. Steven has been in NEAT programs for the last 10 years and is active in the North End Youth Programs, is on the city's Design Review and Preservation Board and is a great role model for other Middletown kids.

Overall, the garden looked great and the food was amazing (Thanks to: Fusion Bakery, Tandoor, Typhoon, Public Bar and Grill, Empire Pizza, Sweet Harmony Café, It’s Only Natural Restaurant, Tschudin Chocolates, Order on Court, Tavern at the Inn at Middletown, Javapalooza, Puerto Vallarta, Firehouse Steakhouse, Mikado, O’Rourke’s Diner, Thai Gardens, Fiorie, Fred Carroll and Ann-Marie Cannata, Young's Printing, Minuteman Press, Metro Spirits, Forest City Wine & Spirits and Patty Palace.

Thanks to all who attended!

NEAT's Garden Party Thursday

This Thursday, August 13th, NEAT will be hosting its 9th annual Garden Party and Fundraiser at the Erin Street Community Garden.

This is a wonderful event, with passed hors d'oeuvres, a live band, and a beautiful community garden to spend (what promises to be) a great summer evening in.

The event is a fundraiser for NEAT, so there is a suggested donation of $30 for an individual and $45 for a family, but we encourage residents to come by and help host the party. If you volunteer, there is no donation required.

This is a wonderful party hosted by the North End for the city, so bring family and friends and celebrate the many accomplishments of the neighborhood!

Please call NEAT if you have any questions (860-346-4845)

Click Here to watch the video of last year's party (created by North End Resident Dan Nocera)

Click Here to see pictures of last year's party

The daVinci's Amazing Rowing Machine Takes Third Place

Last Saturday, a team from the North End, led by captain George Frick, took part in the annual Connecticut River Raft Race. It is such a fun event, and our boat (made 5 years ago by a group of NEAT youth) a funky yellow catamaran type boat, is one of the coolest on the water.

The crew took first place in their division and third place all around. Congratulations!

North End Farmer's Market Today

Beginning today and running on Fridays throughout the summer, the North End Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods and other CT Farm products.

Today is the first one, so we're just getting the hang of it, but as the summer progresses, we hope to add more and more farms.

It is being held on the big, wide sidewalk in front of It's Only Natural Market (thank you to them and to Peter Harding!) and runs from 8-1. Stop by before work or on your lunch break.

It's a perfect day for it!

All farms are WIC Certified and (after today), you may use your EBT Card.

You may click on the poster to enlarge it.
Poster design by North Ender, Katie Merrotte

Nehemiah digs in

The performance hall at the Green Street Arts Center was packed with dignitaries for Monday's groundbreaking ceremony for the North End Home Ownership project. After remarks by no less than 15 politicians and stakeholders in the project, the crowd moved outside for a golden shovel ceremony. The developers, Nehemiah Housing and Broad Park Development Corp, note that actual construction is slated to begin in late summer, with the first of the 15 units available by October 2010.

Readers of the Eye have been treated to many, many articles about the long process of finding funding and getting approval from the Redevelopment Agency and Common Council for the home-ownership condos. Compromises between the developers and the preservation community led to the decision to rehabilitate three of the Ferry houses that were originally to be demolished. The January 2008 move of the former Methodist Church on Liberty Street to a new site on Rapallo Avenue added further complexity to the project, resulting in a plan to create 4 units in the renovated building. The difficulties of the current economy and real estate market required the developers to trim the original 7 sites to 6 -- the Habitat for Humanity duplex on Ferry Street will have to wait.

Although there are a number of funding sources (including some $700,000+ from the City), the project ultimately received its green light with the recent agreement by the state's Department of Economic and Community Development to provide $3 million in grants to fill the gap in the approx. $7 million budget. In exchange, the developers are required to sell the homes at below-market prices to households within targeted income categories -- most are for families with up to 80% of median income, and two units are reserved for families with up to 50% of median income.

In this architectural rendering you can see:
1 Top right corner: two new duplexes will replace two houses on the south side of Green Street which are currently vacant and condemned. These units are priced at $124,000 to $148,000.
2. Top left corner: the planned facade of the former Methodist Church. This elevation will face Rapallo Avenue, and the building will house four units which are priced at $93,970 to $124,000.
3. Bottom row: Three existing houses on the south side of Ferry will have condos priced from $138,000 to $168,000.

Many of the speakers at the groundbreaking praised the partnerships that brought this project to fruition, as well as the investments of Wesleyan University, the City and private developers in the North End. In her remarks, Jackie Clegg Dodd (wife of Senator Chris Dodd) noted the progress that Middletown has made in recent years. We now know, she said, that the North End was lucky to escape the wholesale redevelopment that other towns experienced, and the resulting construction of buildings in the "Early Ugly" style. Instead, the North End still has "good bones", and a strong base of dedicated people who care enough to work at creating a stable community.

As the final speaker, Izzi Greenberg, the executive director of NEAT and a contributor to this blog, noted that this is a very exciting step for residents of the North End -- the culmination of a neighborhood redevelopment effort that began in the late 1990's. Ever practical, she also noted that NEAT and Liberty Bank have been cooperatively offering financial literacy workshops to educate families that might be eligible to purchase the homes.

Friday Night Hoops

Last night, about 200 kids, parents, community members and teachers came out to Donovan Park for the first North End Nights Basketball Tournament, hosted by Macdonough School and the North End Action Team. The games were serious but friendly, the hot dogs were cooked to perfection, thanks to the grilling skills of Deputy Police Chief, Pat McMahon and the expertise of Elsie Arnold and Laura Hall, and everyone had a great time. It was a perfect night. In fact, it was such a success, that we've decided to run these once a month throughout the summer. Mark your calendar for the third Friday in June. 6:00 pm.

Thanks to the Park and Rec department for supplying the hoops, the city for supplying the grill and Macdonough for the support. And, especially to all of the great kids and families who came out to enjoy one of the nicest evenings of the year so far. Here is a slideshow of pictures for you to enjoy.

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT AND BLOCK PARTY AT DONOVAN PARK: TONIGHT!

Tonight, Friday, May 15th, we will be hosting a very fun, very informal basketball tournament at the park(click here for directions). This event is rescheduled from last week, so hopefully, it will be even better this week! This isn't about impressing people with your skill, it's about having fun with your neighbors. So, bring a friend, a kid, a spouse.

Walk on down to the park. Play some b-ball. Eat a hot dog, we'll be cooking out. Bring a blanket and just lie out in the grass.
This is a time for springtime fun!

If you want to sign up, though, email neat (neat@neatmiddletown.org) or call 346-4845.

We'll take any single person and put you on a team, or you could sign up as a team of three. Any age, size, gender-- anyone. C'mon Middletown, we need to start enjoying this amazing space in the middle of our downtown!

Family Basketball Tournament at Donovan Park-This Friday Night

On Friday evening, May 8th, NEAT and Macdonough School will be hosting a very fun, very informal basketball tournament at Donovan Park. This isn't about impressing people with your skill, it's about having fun with your neighbors. So, bring a friend, a kid, a spouse. Walk on down to the park. Play some b-ball. Eat a hot dog, we'll be cooking out. Bring a blanket and just lie out in the grass. This is a time for springtime fun.

Over the last few years, NEAT has become involved in sprucing up Donovan Park (the park next to Macdonough School). Something that has come up over and over again is that people just need to USE the park more. So here's your chance.

If you want to sign up, email NEAT (neat@neatmiddletown.org) or call 346-4845. We'll take any single person and put you on a team, or you could sign up as a team of three. Any age, size, gender-- anyone.

Or, just come down and enjoy the evening.

C'mon Middletown, we need to start enjoying this amazing space in the middle of our city!

Clarification on Today's Middletown Press Article

Dear Friends,

An article published in today’s Middletown Press (DARE Program Slashed From Proposed Budget) wrongly took words that were not mine and attributed them to me.

In the article, it appears as though I was speaking about tonight’s city budget hearing. In fact, I was not interviewed for the story. The information attributed to me was actually taken from an email I received (and forwarded to NEAT’s members) from Dic Wheeler, of Artfarm.

I do believe that it is important that people come out and speak about the proposed budget, but NEAT’s positions is slightly different from Artfarm’s. I’d like to take a minute to explain our positions.

NEAT is most concerned about funding to the Summer Arts Programming and the City's Matching Grant Program.

As for summer arts, families that live in the North End would be most affected by any changes to the sliding scale that is offered for summer arts programming. Many North End kids take part in those programs, run through the city Arts Office (including the Summer Circus), and wouldn't be able to if not for the financial aid that is offered. For many parents, the summer program is the only affordable option, giving kids a chance to participate in summer programming, and parents a way to work. It must be maintained.

Additionally, NEAT receives funding through the Middletown Commission on the Arts and the Youth Services Bureau for our Arts in the Garden Series and our Youth Leadership Initiative. If the matching grants and after school challenge grants ratio is changed to 4:1, small organizations like NEAT (there are a lot of us in Middletown!) would be unable to participate, leaving some effective, well-deserving programs unfunded.

I do urge each of you to come out to support the much-deserving groups in Middletown that are working hard to ensure that every city child has access to quality arts programming. And, though it wasn't my idea, I encourage you to show your unity and wear red.

Thank You,
Izzi Greenberg
Executive Director
North End Action Team (NEAT)